Who would have thought…

That it would be so hard in the year 2012 for so many people to make ends meet financially. Single people, families, mostly all people I know are having a very hard time just making it through to the end of each month without running out of money for necessities and some, I include myself in this group do not make it to that last week of the month and we end up having to

take out payday loans which we have to pay back the next month with interest which of course that costs us even more money we really do not have to spend. It’s truly a vicious cycle.

I have seen and heard stories of people being at the check outs in Walmart at 11:30 PM the night before their Social Security checks are direct deposited because they have run out of food for the month and as soon as that check is available they are there to buy what they have been without for that last week of the month. I’ve also heard others put these people down by calling them trailor trash, trash, rednecks etc. I can tell you first hand the majority of these people are none of these things.. These people are not what has been called “Welfare hogs” they are, senior citizens and disabled people as well.. My husband and I are both disabled and we live on a fixed income and don’t think for a moment there haven’t been times when I almost found myself at the Walmart check out waiting for my check to clear.

Of the people I know we have stopped buying anything that we don’t need. Nothing extra. We don’t go out to eat, we don’t go to the movies. As for vacations, most of us haven’t seen one of those in years.

I am thinking about learning how to get into canning. I know some of you have been very blessed to have had grandmothers and family members who have been doing this for years be able to teach you. I don’t have the first clue about how to can but Im going to try and learn. I just pray I don’t poison anyone by messing it up..I also want to learn how to grow herbs and vegetables in pots on my deck as my body doesn’t allow me to have a full blown garden…

What about you and your family? Have you cut back on things? Only buying the bare necessities? Have you begun canning and growing some of your own food? Are you able to make it through the month? How are you stretching your dollars?

If you want to learn how to can, just give a holler. I did it for years and just started back up again. There is a crap load of info on youtube as well as out on the internet. Be more than happy to help you when you are ready. It takes time, but the payoff is wonderful!

My trick is my husband – he's the one who is the big saver! But seriously, I should pay more attention to the little things I spend money on because they really add up! On another note, I wrote you an email last week thanking you for adding me to your list but the email got returned as undeliverable. You might want to double check the email you have listed…or it could have just been my computer! Have a great week!-Shelley

I have always wanted to learn to can food. Keep me updated on your progress. As for ways to save… Umm. Everytime I think of one I seem to get stuck with expenses somewhere else so I never feel like I make progress.Food is my biggest expense. Fresh is always more money. I swear thats why poor people are over weight. All they can afford is processed food. We all struggle. Good to know we aren't alone and can give eachother advice.

Robyn & The Mr.

Welcome to my blog! I'm Robyn. I am 47 years old married to the love of my life and I am a Northern girl transplanted in the South. Here at Robyns Simple Life its all about simplicity whenever possible. You'll also find posts about my interests and passions which include, my love of the Lord, my life in general, my passions which include my dogs, reading, DIY projects, healthy cooking, beauty and product reviews and much more. I am excited to share with you and I hope you will join me on the adventure I call my life.